Library: Initiatives

Virtual conferencing: The frequentflyer researcher’s dilemma

Initiative

Virtual conferencing: The frequentflyer researcher’s dilemma

About

Physical encounters are seen as important for research collaborations, fieldwork, networking, and establishing a scholarly reputation – a view often reinforced by peer pressure and the nature of the scientific evaluation system. However, air travel and associated emissions contribute a sizeable share of greenhouse gases. At ETH Zurich, emissions from air travel account for more than half of the university’s total CO2 emissions.In autumn 2017, over 80 members from eight international research institutions participated in a Virtual Conference on University Air Miles Reduction. The discussion focused on the problem of "conference tourism" and the rapidly increasing CO2 emissions associated with it.

SDG

Region

CH04 - Zürich

Country

Switzerland

5P

Planet , Prosperity